20140307

Astronomy current events question: laser-triggered fusion

Astronomy 210L, spring semester 2014
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Students are assigned to read online articles on current astronomy events, and take a short current events quiz during the first 10 minutes of lab. (This motivates students to show up promptly to lab, as the time cut-off for the quiz is strictly enforced!)
Geoff Brumfiel, "Scientists Say Their Giant Laser Has Produced Nuclear Fusion" February 12, 2014
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/02/12/275896094/scientists-say-their-giant-laser-has-produced-nuclear-fusion
The National Ignition Facility was able to trigger hydrogen fusion using:
(A) surplus nuclear reactor fuel.
(B) radioactive helium.
(C) sunlight.
(D) antimatter.
(E) lasers.

Correct answer: (E)

Student responses
Sections 30678, 30679, 30680
(A) : 4 students
(B) : 6 students
(C) : 0 students
(D) : 0 students
(E) : 30 students

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